School Councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Participating as a school council member is a rewarding and challenging experience. The school council supports the principal toprovide the best possible educational outcomes for students.
School Council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, during the school terms and school community members are invited to attend.
The School Council is responsible for:
· developing the school’s Strategic Plan
· developing school based education policies within state wide guidelines
· administering the school’s finances
· developing the student code of conduct
· employing non-teaching staff
· reporting on an annual basis to the school community on its achievements
· assisting in the selection of a school principal when a permanent vacancy occurs and making a
· recommendation about the appointment to the Department of Education and Training.
Our School Council has 13 members who are elected for a 2 year term. 7 are parent, or non DET members, 4 are staff, or DET members and 2 members co-opted- interested members from the wider Clunes Community. The Principal is automatically the executive officer of the School Council.
SCHOOL COUNCIL POLICIES
A school council is responsible for developing particular policies to reflect the school’s values and support the school’s broad direction, as outlined in its strategic plan. Legislation and Departmental imperatives require councils to develop some policies, and they may develop other policies to address local needs.
School Council needs to know that policy is required when it relates to the governance of the school. This includes the implementation of government policy and guidelines.
The day-to-day operational policies and procedures in schools are managed by the principal and staff. School council policies are documents that are made available to the school community as a means to clarify functions and responsibilities, manage change, promote consistency, meet standards and make decision-making transparent. Policy development offers school council the opportunity to engage with the school community on matters of importance to that community.
Councils are required to review their policies regularly to ensure that they remain relevant and valid.
Our school community is made aware of reviewed policies via the school newsletter and our school website. Policy copies are also available for all members of the school community via the schooloffice.
Detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of school councils can be found by clicking here.
